Morocco Bans Airport Farewells, Families Protest Lack of Boarding Area Access

Moroccan families are condemning the measure in effect at all airports in the kingdom. To say goodbye to a loved one or a traveler, they must do so outside the airport. The traveler must then enter to begin the boarding formalities. Moroccan families are outraged by this measure, particularly because the outdoor spaces do not have any place to sit, rest, or be protected from the sun and rain, in addition to the lack of services such as restaurants and cafes. During this period characterized by the arrival and departure of many of their relatives residing abroad, they point out that they will not be able to accompany them, say goodbye to them or carry their luggage with them.

Faced with this situation, Moroccan families are asking the Ministry of Transport and Logistics as well as the National Airports Office (ONDA) to provide special chairs for the elderly, pregnant women, the sick and people with special needs outside the airports. They also plead for the authorization of cafes and restaurants outside the airports, in order to meet the needs of the travelers’ companions, especially for the sick. Finally, they are asking for sanitary facilities such as toilets and ablution areas.